Power-actuated typewriter mechanism



1958 J. F. SMATHERS 2,848,089

POWER-ACTUATED TYPEWRITER MECHANISM Filed May 28, 1956 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 F I [0/ 60 INVENTOR.

IG. 8 JAMES FIELDS SMATHERS AGENT J. F. SMATHERS POWER-ACTUATED TYPEWRITER MECHANISM '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 28, 1956 JNVENTOR. JAMES FIELDS SMA'l'l-IERS AGENT Aug. 19, 1958 Filed May 28, 1956 J. F. SMATHERS POWER-ACTUATED TYPEWRITER MECHANISM 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. JAMES FlELDS SMATHERS A ENT Aug. 19, 1958 J. F. SMATHERS POWER-ACTUATED TYPEWRITER MECHANISM Filed May 28, 1956 FIG. 4

7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. JAMES FIELDS SMATHERS AGENT Aug. 19, 1958 J. F. SMATHERS 2,848,089

POWER-ACTUATED TYPEWRITER MECHANISM Filed May 28, 1956 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. JAMES FIELDS SMATHERS AGENT J. F. SMATHERS 2,848,089

POWER-ACTUATED TYPEWRITER MECHANISM '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 AGENT \ww v u mww New NwN 8 WW 3 \w r MS RN www NN MR m8 m #8 3 mww RN Aug. 19, 1958 Filed May 28, 1956 JAMES FIELDS @WTHERS Aug. 19, 1958 J. F. SMATHERS POWER-ACTUATED TYPEWRITER MECHANISM 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed May 28, 1956 m N3 .n

93 m NS QNN bNN IN VEN TOR. JAMES FIELDS SMATHERS "@vQiM AG ENT United States Patent POWER-ACTUATED TYPEWRITER MECHANISM James F. Smathers, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

Application May 28, 1956, Serial No. 587,756 Claims. Cl. 197-47 The invention relates to a typewriter mechanism in which the type bars are power-actuated into position with respect to the platen and in which a single power-actuated member selectively operates any one of a plurality of type bars.

In power driven typewriters and business machines it is well known to utilize an individual power actuated cam for each individual key whether such key is a letter, numeral, space, ribbon advance or tabulating key. The large number of such cams and their associated operating mechanisms and linkages results in a very complex structure with each requiring its own and separate adjustments. Also, with the size and space limitations imposed on such machines and the number of cams required, the problem of arrangement for obtaining the most satisfactory operating conditions becomes very complicated and involves a very costly structure.

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the multiple power-actuated mechanisms in that a single power-actuated member serves to actuate any one ofthe plurality of type bars in accordance with the type key which is actuated. This is accomplished by utilizing a power-driving means and a single actuating cam which is normally maintained in an inoperative position with respect to the power-driving means. Upon release of the cam by any one of the type keys, a linkage is actuated by the cam to operate the corresponding type bar into position with respect to the platen roll. Means is also provided to block actuation of any other type bar during an operating cycle, as well as means to prevent reactuation of the same type bar unless the type key is operated.

The primary object of the invention is, therefore, to provide a power-actuated mechanism in which a single power-driven means selectively operates any one of a plurality of type bars.

Another object of the invention is to provide a poweractuated mechanism for typewriters in which a single power-driven means selectively operates any one of a plurality of type bars.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a power-actuated mechanism for typewriters in which a single power-driven means selectively operates any one of a plurality of type bars and means is provided to prevent actuation of the same or any other type key during each operating cycle.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a power-actuated mechanism for typewriters in which a single power-driven means is released by a single linkage, which is actuated by any one of the type keys, to actuate the corresponding type bar through a single linkage interconnected to the plurality of type bars.

And still another object of the invention is to provide a simple, reliable, efiicient and economical power-actuated mechanism for typewriters and similar types of business machines.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by the description which follows.

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate like parts and wherein:

Fig. l is a perspective view showing the complete operating mechanism as associated with one of the type keys and type bars;

Fig. 2 is a side view in section showing the interconnecting linkages between the type key, type bar and power-actuating means;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary plan view showing the single power-actuating means and the operating linkages with respect to several of the type keys and the machine frame;

Figs. 4, 5 and 6 are detail ,views of the portions of the mechanism associated with the type keys and showing the position and relation of the various elements during an operating cycle;

Fig. 7 is a partial plan view showing a modification in which the key board is divided into two sections, each section being associated with a separate power-actuating means;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary rear elevational view partly in section taken substantially along line 88 in Fig. 3; and

Figs. 9, 10 and 11 are side elevations of another modification of the invention and showing the elements in various positions during a complete operating cycle.

As shown particularly in Figs. l-6, a plurality of type keys 11 are arranged as a keyboard in a well-known manner, each type key comprising a body portion 12, an upper leg 13, a lower leg' 14 and an extension 15. Each type key is pivotally mounted by means of pivot links 17 and 21 which are pivotally mounted on rods 18 and 22 which are secured on opposite ends to machine frame it in bushings 180, 181, 182 and 183, see Fig. 3. Link 17 is pivotally connected to leg 13 at 16 and link 21 is connected in a like manner to leg 14 at 20. Body portion 12 carries a stud 23 on which catch member 24 is pivotally and slidably mounted by means of elongated slot 25. Catch 24 is retained in an extended position to the right, as shown in Fig. 2, and against pin 27 by spring 26 which extends between extension 15 and the tail of catch 24. Catch member 24 is also provided with a formed-over end 28 for a purpose to be described hereinafter.

Typewriters, as is well known in the art, are provided with type bars which are pivotally mounted on a rod located in a segment having radial slots for guiding the type bars. The details of such a structure are not disclosed herein in order to more clearly show the function of such type bars. Type bar 30 which is pivotally mounted on rod 32 is such a type bar and rod and is guided in the aforesaid manner as it is moved into engagement with the platen roll. Type bar 30 is provided with a finger 33 to which link 37 is pivotally connected. Each of type bars 30 is pivotally connected by link 37 to a type bar lever 34 which is pivotally mounted on transverse rod 36 and has a finger 35.

A type bar pawl 40, Fig. 2, is provided with an engaging surface 39, with a step 41 on the side opposite said surface, and with a step 42 on the same side and below said surface. One of said pawls 40 is pivotally mounted at 44 on finger 35 of each type bar lever 34. A plate 45 is secured on opposite ends by screws 58 and 59 to the frame 10 of the machine and serves as an anchor for one end of each of springs 46 which have the other end attached to pawl 40. A comb 47 secured on opposite ends by screws 84, 84A, 85 and 85A to the frame 10 is provided with a series of lower slots 48 which serve as a guide for pawls 40 and a series of upper slots which serve as a guide and stop for links 21. In an inoperative position, end 28 of catch 24 abuts pawl 40 due to the action of spring 26 and is limited in its 3 movement to the right, as shown in Fig. 2, by stud 23 and slot 25.

A bail of the shape best shown in Fig. l is pivotally mounted on opposite sides by means of dowel pins 52 and 52A which are journaled in bearings 111 and 111A secured to machine frame 10 and is provided with a laterally extending finger 51. Directly behind bail St), a trip member 54 is mounted by means of spacer arms 55 and 56 on rod 53 which is also pivotally mounted in bearings 111 and 111A, as shown in Fig. 3. A fork 57 extends from rod 53 and is integral therewith. A plate 187, see Figs. 2, 3 and 8, is provided with spaced extensions 90 and 91 and is secured to frame 10 by screws 88 and 89, extension 91 having a bracket 92 fixed thereto, as shown in Fig. 2. Two parallel plates 93 and 94 are secured to brackets 95 and 96 extending from plate 187, as shown in Fig. 8. Shaft 61 is rotatably mounted in plate 187 and is journaled therein by collars '97 and 98. Bushing 108 in plate 93 and bushing 101 in plate 94 serve as a bearing for the other end of shaft 61 to which is fixed a pulley 102 and a flywheel 103. A power-driven roller 60 is fixed to shaft 61 between bushings 190 and 181 and a source of power, such as an electric motor (not shown), is connected to pulley 182.

A spring-loaded cam 64 is rotatably mounted on stud 65 in yoke 62 which, in turn, is pivotally mounted on stud 63 between plates 93 and 94. A tripping latch 66 is pivotally mounted in yoke 62 by means of stud 67 and is retained in an engaging position with cam 64 by spring 80 connecting one end of latch 66 with a projection 69 on yoke 62.

A yoke lever 70 and a bail lever 71 are secured to shaft 72 which is rotatably mounted in arm 90, levers 7t] and 71 forming, in efiect, a bell crank lever. Clevis rod 73 is pivotally connected at 74 to finger 51 and by one of the adjustable-throw apertures 75 to lever 71. Clevis rod 76 is pivotally connected to lever 70 at 77 and to latch 66 at 78.

A toggle joint comprising lever 81 pivotally connected to pin 82 in leg 91 and lever 83 pivotally connected at 85 to fork 57 is interconnected at 84, lever 83 being provided with a knee 104 to limit the movement in one direction and being retained in position by spring 87 between bracket 92 and lever 83. Clevis rod 86 pivotally connects lever 83 to yoke 62.

In operation, actuation of key 11 moves it downward and causes catch 24 to move therewith whereby end 28 abuts pawl 40 to rotate it about pivot 44 so that surface 39 moves bail 50 about its pivot in a clockwise direction. As pawl 40 is moved in a counterclockwise direction, step 42 is moved into position beneath trip member 54. The movement of bail 58 is transmitted via clevis rod 73 to levers 71 and 70 which are rotated in a counterclockwise direction. This movement is transmitted to latch member 66 by clevis rod 76. As latch member 66 is rotated about stud 67 in yoke 62, the free end thereof is moved out of the path of a lug, not shown, on cam 64 and said cam is then biased toward roller 60 and rotated thereby, as is well known in the art. Since cam 64 is provided with two stop lugs diametrically arranged on the underside thereof, cam 64 is permitted to make only a half revolution at which time its movement is again arrested by latch 66. However, during the rotation of cam 64 and due to its shape, yoke 62 is oscillated about its stud 63 first in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. l, and then in a clockwise direction to its original or normal position. During the first-mentioned movement, clevis rod 86 by means of lever 83 causes rod 53 to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction whereby trip member 54 is moved in the same direction and against step 42 to move pawl 40 downwardly, as shown in dotted I lines in Fig. 2 and in Fig. 6. During this downward movement of pawl 40, type bar lever 34 is rotated in a clockwise direction about rod 36 and moves its corresponding link 37 to the left, as viewed in Fig. 2. The

movement of link 37 causes type bar 30 to be pivoted about rod 32 and into engagement with the platen to print the character corresponding to the key 11 which was orginally actuated. Since levers 81 and 83 are moved in an upward direction as rod 53 is rotated, these levers are returned to their normal position, as determined by knee 104, by spring 87 as well as the other elements interconnected therewith. Likewise, spring 46 returns pawl 40, type "bar lever 34, link 37 and type bar 30 to their original positions.

From Fig. 2 it can be readily appreciated that when trip member 54 has moved pawl 40 to its lowest position, as shown in dotted lines, it is impossible for the operator to actuate any other key because trip member 54 will not permit movement of any other pawl 40 against bail 50, see Fig. 6. In the same manner, at this particular position of the cycle, trip member 54 prevents actuation of the same key by the operator. Also to prevent actuation of the same key by the operator during the latter portion of the cycle, end 28 of catch 24 drops into step 41, see Fig. 6, as pawl 40 is moved downwardly and as pawl 40 is returned by spring 46, end 28 is engaged by step 41 and pivoted about pin 23 to a position as shown in Fig. 5. In this position spring 46 has not yet returned the various components to their original positions; hence, if key 11 is actuated, pin 27 merely pivots catch 24 about pin 23 without causing end 28 to move pawl 40 against bail 50 to again release cam 64. As spring 46 completes its function, end 28 rides off of step 41 to abut pawl 40 as in Fig. 2. At this point key 11 can again be actuated. With this arrangement, double actuation of the same key by the operator during a single operating cycle is completely eliminated.-

In the past, power driven typewriters have had fortytwo cams, one for each key, driven by a common power driven roller. While the present invention contemplates a single cam and a single power driven roller, those skilled in the art can readily visualize that if one cam serves the function of accommodating a plurality of keys, a material advance would be made in the art. In Fig. 7 an arrangement is disclosed in which the typewriter keyboard is divided in half with each half operatively connected to a single cam and power driven roller. in the following description, the reference numerals correspond to like parts described in the above description and in instances when the components are duplicated, the letter A has been added to the original reference character.

Plate 187 and platforms 93 and 94 are secured to machine frame 10 and provide for journaling shafts 61 and 61A on which pulleys, flywheels and power rollers 60 and 60A are mounted, as previously described. Extension 91 is enlarged and provides at its end a bearing 110 for the inner ends of rods 53 and 53A, the outer ends being journaled in bearings 111 and 111A. In a like manner, trip member 54 is split in half with one half 54 connected to rod 53 by blocks 55 and 55A and the other half 54A connected to rod 53A by blocks 56 and 56A. Two extensions and 90A and two brackets 92 and 92A extend from plate 187 with shafts 72 and 72A rotatably mounted in said extensions and with levers 70 and 71 fixed to shaft 72 and levers 70A and 71A fixed to shaft 72A. Bail St) is also divided in half with one half 50 pivotally mounted in bearings and 111 and the other half 50A pivotally mounted in bearings 110 and 111A. Clevis rods 73 and 73A connect bail 50 and 50A to levers 71 and 71A, respectively. As shown in Fig. 7, two cams 64 and 64A are mounted in yokes 62 and 62A and are provided with a tripping latch 66 and 66A, as previously described, clevis rods 76 and 76A connecting their respective tripping latch to lever 70 and 70A. Clevis rod 86 connects yoke 62 with toggle lever 83 which, in turn, is pivotally connected to rod 53, the second toggle lever 81 being pivotally connected to lever 83 and extension 91. Yoke 62A is connected in a similar manner to rod 53A by clevis rod 86A and toggle levers 81A and 83A. Since there is no change in the key relationship nor the elements associated with the keys and type bars, a key actuated on the right hand side of the keyboard has its corresponding type bar actuated in position with respect to the platen roll by the mechanism associated with cam 64A whereas those on the left are actuated by cam 64. The function of the elements, therefore, remain exactly the same.

Another embodiment of the invention is disclosed in Figs. 9-11 in which power roller 60 is mounted on shaft 61 journaled between spaced brackets 200 which are secured to transverse plate 201, roller 60 being driven in a manner already described by a pulley connected by a belt to a suitable power source or motor and being preferably mounted centrally with respect to the keyboard, although the mechanism will function equally well irrespective of the location of roller 60. Type keys 202 are pivotally mounted intermediate their ends on transverse rod 203, said keys being guided by slots 49A in the transverse comb 47A and although only type key 202 is actually shown, it is to be understood that each of such type keys function as described with respect to the single one shown. A U-shaped member 204 is pivotally mounted at 205 to each of keys 202 and is provided with a lug 206 to which one end of spring 207 is attached, the other end being secured to a lug 208 on plate 209 extending across machine frame 10. A bracket 210 which is positioned adjacent member 204, as shown in Fig. 9, also extends between frame 10 and is provided with a plurality of slots 211 for guiding actuating member 212. Actuating member 212 is provided with a step 213 along the lower edge and a step or shoulder 214 in the upper edge, member 204 engaging the lower edge adjacent step 213 to support actuating member 212 in its normal or inoperative position, as shown in Fig. 9.

Each of type bars 215 is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on transverse rod 216 which is journaled in comb 217 provided with a slot 218 for each of bars 215. A bell crank lever 219 associated with each of type bars 215 is also mounted in an aligned slot 220 on transverse rod 221. Link 222 connects one end of lever 219 with the end of type bar 215 and a link 223 connects the other end of lever 219 with the left-hand end of actuating member 212.

Plate 201 is mounted on spaced brackets 225 and is provided at its lower end with a plurality of slots 226 for guiding actuating members 212 and at opposite ends with extensions 227 in which transverse rod 228 is journaled. Two spaced arms 229 are also pivotally mounted between extensions 227 and are fixed to rod 228 and serve to carry trip member 230 which extends between frame 10 and overlies actuating members 212, as shown in Fig. 9. Rod 228 also serves as a support for yoke 231 which is fixed to rod 228. At its upper and over hanging end 232, yoke 231 carries cam 233 which is freely rotatable on stud 234 and spring biased toward drive roller 60, as is well-known in the art. Cam 233 is provided with two diametrically arranged stop lugs 235 and 235 which, as will be described, limit cam 233 to making only one-half revolution with each actuation. Yoke member 231 also carries a bell-crank lever 236 which is pivotally mounted on pin 237 and which has nose 238 on one end thereof urged into the path of one of lugs 235 by means of spring 239, as shown in Fig. 9. Bracket 200 is provided with tail 240 to which link 241 is pivotally connected at 242, the other end being pivotally connected at 243 to transverse bail rod 244 which overlies the ends of actuating members 212. Release lever or pawl 245 is also pivotally connected to rod 244 and is maintained in the position shown in Fig. 9 against pin 246 on yoke 231 by spring 247. The free end of lever 245 is provided with a notch 248 which normally engages the formed over end 249 of bell crank lever 236 to maintain nose 238 in the path of lug 235.

The arrangement of the various elements, as shown in Fig. 9, shows them in their normal inoperative position or position of rest at the start of the typing operation or between actuation of any one of keys 202. In this position, roller 60 is being continuously rotated and cam 233 is withheld from engagement with roller 60 by lever 236., Upon actuation of any one of type keys 202, the action about to be described is exactly the same irrespective of the key or its position on the keyboard. Also, it is to be understood that the complete cycle of operation occurs in an interval of time which is considerably less than that required for the fastest operator to actuate any two keys. In the previous embodiment of the invention, as well as in the embodiment whose operation is about to be described, trip members 54 and 230 are capable of making 1200 oscillations per minute, or in other words, a cycle of operation after release of cam 233 requires only a matter of .05 second which is considerably less than the time required by the fastest operator to operate the same key twice or any other two keys.

As key 202 is depressed, member 204 raises its corresponding member 212 in slots 211 and 226 of bracket 210 and plate 201, respectively, to place step 214 in position with respect to trip member 230. At the same time, the right hand end of member 212 abuts bail rod 244 to move it in a vertical direction. A rod 244 is moved vertically, notch 248 causes the lever 236 to be rotated slightly in a clockwise direction about pin 237, thereby moving nose 238 out of the path of lug 235 with which it was in engagement. Cam 233 is, therefore, freed and is moved toward and into engagement with roller 60. At this point, the various parts have assumed the positions shown in Fig. 10. As cam 233 is rotated by roller 60, yoke 231 is first oscillated from its normal position in a counter-clockwise direction till the high point of cam 233 is in engagement with roller 60, as shown in Fig. 11. During this movement, arms 229 and trip member 230 are oscillated in the same direction, trip member 230 engaging step 214 and moving actuating member 2:12 to the right. This movement of member 212 is transmitted via link 223, lever 219 and link 222 to type bar lever 215 causing it to pivot about rod 216 and into engagement with platen roll 250, as shown in Fig. 11. Type bar lever 215 engages platen 250 just before cam 233 reaches its high point with respect to roller 60.

As cam 233 rolls off itshigh point, yoke 231 is oscillated in a clockwise direction and key 202, actuating member 212, type bar 215 and trip member 230 are returned to their normal positions by springs 251 and 252. In the position shown in Fig. 11, pin 246 rocks pawl 245 and notch 248 out of engagement with end 249 so that spring 239 moves lever 236 and nose 238 into a position in which nose 238 lies in the path of lug 235 so as to arrest cam 233 and limit it to one-half revolution. As a result, at the end of the cycle described, the parts or elements are again in the positions shown in Fig. 9.

As in the previously-described embodiment, when; trip member 230 is moved to the right to actuate member 212 for moving type bar lever 215, trip member 230 overlies the other actuating members 212 and, thus, prevents actuation of any other key before completion of the cycle already initiated. Since pin 246 causes notch 248 to become disengaged from end 249 of lever 236 as yoke 231 is oscillated in a clockwise direction, there is no possibility of interference with the arresting of cam 233 by actuation of any other key or related parts. In order to further insure that double actuation of the same key will not interfere with the cycle of operation and will not cause failure of lever 236, to arrest cam 233 after each half revolution, the movement of member 212 to the right by trip member 230 causes step 213 to be moved to the right and out of relation with respect to member 204. As a result, after this movement, if key 202 should again be actuated, the vertical movement of member 204 due to step 213 will not be suflicient to cause engagement of bail rod 244 to effect another release of cam 233. Actuating member 212, must, therefore, be in its normal position before another actuation of its corresponding key will be efiective. By this means double tripping or actuation of the same key in the same cycle of operation is completely eliminated.

From the foregoing description it is evident that a simple and efficient power-actuated mechanism for typewriters has been disclosed and although described with respect to specific embodiments, many modifications thereof will be evident to those skilled in the art. The invention is, therefore, not to be limited to the illustrated embodiments but is defined by the appended claims.

Having now particularly described my invention, What I desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States and what I claim is:

1. In a power-actuated mechanism for typewriters, the combination comprising a platen roller, a power-driving means, a cam member normally maintained in an inoperative position with respect to said power-driving means, a linkage for moving said cam member into an operating relationship with said power-driving means, a type bar pivotally mounted for movement into engagement with said platen roller, a type bar linkage pivotally mounted and connected to said type bar, a member connected to said type bar linkage for engaging said linkage, a type key pivotally mounted for movement into an operating position, an operating member pivotally mounted on said type key and normally engaging said member and for moving said member and linkage, upon movement of said type key into said operating position, to move said cam member into said operating relationship, a trip member pivotally mounted for movement into engagement with said member, and a second linkage operatively connected to said trip member and movable by said cam member in its operating relationship whereby said trip member moves said member and said type bar linkage to actuate said type bar.

2. In a power-actuated mechanism for typewriters, the combination comprising a platen roller, a power-driving means, a cam member normally maintained in an inoperative position with respect to said power-driving means, a linkage for moving said cam member into an operating relationship with said power-driving means, a type bar pivotally mounted for movement into engagement with said platen roller, a type bar linkage pivotally mounted and connected to said type bar, a pawl pivotally connected to said type bar linkage and having a step and an actuating surface for engaging said linkage, a type key pivotally mounted for movement into an operating position, a catch member pivotally and slidably mounted on said type key and normally engaging said pawl and for moving said pawl and said linkage, upon movement of said type key into said operating position, to move said cam member into said operating relationship, a trip member pivotally mounted for movement into engagement with siad step, and a second linkage operatively connected to said trip member and movable by said cam member in its operating relationship whereby said trip member moves said pawl and said type bar linkage to actuate said type bar.

3. In a power-actuated mechanism for typewriters, the combination comprising a platen roller, a power-driving means, a cam member normally maintained in an inoperative position with respect to said power-driving means, a linkage for moving said cam member into an operating relationship with said power-driving means, a plurality of type bars pivotally mounted for movement into engagement with said platen roller, a type bar linkage pivotally mounted and connected to each of said type bars, a pawl pivotally connected to each of said type bar linkages and having two steps and an actuating surface for engaging said linkage, a plurality of type keys pivotally mounted for movement into an operating position and corresponding in number to said type bars, a catch member pivotally and slidably mounted on each of said type keys and normally engaging its respective pawl and for moving said pawl and said linkage, upon movement of any one of said type keys into said operating position, to move said cam member into said operating relationship, a universal trip member pivotally mounted for movement into engagement with one of the steps on said pawl corresponding to the operated type key, and a second linkage operatively connected to said trip member and movable by said cam member in its operating relationship whereby said trip member moves the pawl and the type linkage to actuate the type bar corresponding to the operated type key.

4. A power-actuated mechanism in accordance with claim 3 in which said universal trip member includes means for preventing movement of any pawl during engagement thereof with said step.

5. A power actuated mechanism in accordance with claim 3 in which the other step on said pawl maintains said catch member in an inoperative position during the operating cycle to prevent reactuation of the same type key.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

